November 4, 2007  All Saints Sunday

Zumbro Lutheran Congregation, Rochester, MN

Pastor Gary E. Benson

 

“How Will You Be Remembered?”

 

Rabbi and author Harold Kushner in his book, When All You Ever Wanted Isn’t Enough, writes these words, which I often share, “People’s greatest fear is not that of dying from an atomic bomb, or even dying from cancer. Rather people’s greatest fear is that neither in their living nor in their dying will they have made a difference, therefore, they will not be remembered.”

 

For many, as we gather on this All Saint’s Sunday, this day is about remembering – being faithfully mindful of those persons who have made a difference for us, as they have mentored, encouraged, inspired, modeled for us the Christian life. In that regard, this past Thursday morning, our congregation’s receptionist and publications person, Annette, left a voice mail that she would not be in.  You see, her father has been living with cancer for some time, and early Thursday he died.  In Annette’s words, “He is celebrating with the Saints!”  Indeed, for Annette’s family, in the midst of sorrow, a spirit of rejoicing!

 

Even here at ZLC for those who have been here for years, we know not only the names, but we can tell the stories of the “saints” who through faithfulness and sacrifice  participated, supported and led this congregation. For the life and faith of the faithful, indeed, we rejoice!   It is this attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving for the faithful saints, past and present, which the Apostle Paul reports in his letter to the Ephesians.  Recall his words, “I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.”  Yes, today, All Saint’s Sunday is a day to remember and give thanks.

 

Note, however, that even though Paul rejoices in the faithfulness of his readers toward the saints, he doesn’t say, “Enough is enough; we have arrived.” Rather he says I am praying for you. Why? “So that with God’s wisdom and revelation and with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you will know the hope to which you have been called.” – a hope, life, future that does not rest in our self centered hopes and dreams, but rests in the riches and promises God for you and all God’s people.

 

Today, as a pastor, it is my calling to be one who invites and challenges the baptized, the believers, the saints, to, on the one hand, claim and celebrate that “hope that is only in Christ,” but then also to celebrate and participate in a life which, in the words of Mother Teresa, is “something beautiful for God.”  And know well, without question, a life lived which is something beautiful for God (saintly) will be remembered, because it will make a difference.

 

In that regard, as the Apostle Paul, I have the privilege of witnessing the activity of “the saints” in the now.  And lest I go on a tangent of how it used to be, I will reflect briefly regarding the saints I have witnessed just this week.

• This past Sunday, hundreds of saints gathered in worship, not because they were forced or coerced, but rather because, by the nudging of the Holy Spirit, they knew it right and appropriate to gather together to “remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.”  
• Monday I am away from the church, but it is not a day to ignore the gifts of the saints.  I encountered a person/saint who simply voiced thanks for the church and its ministry. In other words, an expression of gratitude for all -- all you do to provide word, sacrament, pastoral care through this place. 
• Tuesday morning a meeting at Good Earth Village where conference ministry professionals not only have a time of fellowship and  worship, but also a presentation by a former Luther College professor sharing the need for intentional stewardship of the earth’s resources and how we might facilitate “green churches.”
• Wednesday, it’s the ministry team staff meeting. I wish you could all sit in that meeting and hear those who serve faithfully to uplift the love of God in Christ through the ministries of ZLC. Shortly thereafter a few of us gathered around the Word at the noon pastor’s text study.
• Thursday morning: Men’s Group at the Holiday Inn South; come to church. The saints are busy …… volunteers getting the newsletter sent out, and then I went down to the kitchen and there was the awesome crew of lefse makers. You need to know these are those doing what they do, knowing that in the end what they do will turn into mission dollars for others.
• Mid-morning I joined others who, through the synod, serve as Synod Shepherds, assisting congregations in the Calling of pastors. Yes, there are details, process and procedures to review, but also the certainty that we are, what I term, “agents of the Holy Spirit,” seeking to guide, encourage, and facilitate congregations to Call faithful pastoral servant leaders. 
• Friday, it’s down in the gym, our fellowship hall, with a great host of saintly ladies, “Church Woman United,” around the theme of justice. 
• Saturday Morning Men’s Group – nearly fourteen years of fellowship, study, mutual support.

 

Over and over you, the saints, the living people of God active, engaged, allowing the light of Christ to shine through them. And I have simply shared a brief snippet of observations and engagements. I am just one….. Such litanies can be repeated throughout all ministry team: the office staff, those who serve with youth, music, education, outreach ministries.  Telling the stories of you, the saints – engaged, learning, growing, blessing others in gratitude for how God has blessed you to be a blessing within these walls and in community.

 

I can’t answer the question for you, “How Will You Be Remembered?” However, I can address the question, “How is/will ZLC be known/remembered through you?”  I pray it is and will be known as a mission center, where we, the baptized people of God, through Word and Sacrament are equipped to live lives that are not only filled with joy in believing, but also making a difference, giving witness to others through our hearts, and hands, and voices.  Such is a “saintly” life which is indeed “something beautiful for God.”  A saintly life in which we rejoice and give thanks daily.